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Healthy Craig good to go for Spring Training

Despite not hitting for power in 2013, Allen Craig remains an on-base machine and should be a lock to hit over .300 with at least 100 RBIs

By Jenifer Langosch
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MLB.com |

ST. LOUIS -- Allen Craig confirmed on Sunday that there are no lingering effects from a left foot injury that cost him seven weeks of the season/postseason and then limited him during the World Series.

At the recommendation of the Cardinals' medical staff, Craig rested his foot for a month after returning home this offseason. He then went through additional rehab and conditioning before resuming a more normal workout regimen.

"I'll be ready for Spring Training and ready for the season," Craig said. "I'm feeling good."

Craig sustained a Lisfranc injury to his left foot while making an awkward turn around first base in a Sept. 4 game against the Reds. That ended his regular season and cost Craig the opportunity to contribute in the first two rounds of the postseason. He returned for the World Series but had minimal mobility since he was not yet fully healed.

Still, Craig managed to contribute. In addition to scoring the winning run in a bizarre walk-off victory in Game 3, Craig tallied six hits in 16 at-bats.

"It was pretty sore and it was a little bit of a struggle, but that's not something I really like to talk about," Craig said. "If I had it my way, I wouldn't have been injured and had that be the topic of conversation. So in that regard, it was frustrating. But also, I was extremely excited to get out there and play again and finish out the season with my teammates.

"That was a pretty tough time in my career, not being able to finish out September with the guys. It was a really tough time for that injury to happen. So to get out there and play in the World Series and contribute with the team was a great experience overall."

As Craig has taken time for his foot to heal, he has also watched the complexion of the Cardinals' roster affect his role. Used primarily at first base, Craig is now projected to begin the season in right field. He has prepared for that by incorporating more long toss -- designed to stretch out his arm -- into his workouts.

"I'm excited to get out in the outfield and run around a little bit and have a good time out there," Craig said.